The best hotels in Stone Town

A straightforward guesthouse tucked into the Hurumzi neighborhood, a short walk from the Old Fort. Rooms are simple and clean, with fans and basic furniture. The shared rooftop has decent views over the old town rooftops. Staff are friendly and will help arrange spice tours. Good choice if you just need a clean, cheap base in Stone Town.

One of the longest-running budget options in Stone Town, sitting near the Malindi Port area. Rooms are basic but kept tidy, and the location puts you close to the Forodhani Gardens waterfront. Breakfast is included and cooked fresh each morning. The old building has character even if the plumbing is occasionally temperamental. Solid value for the price in an otherwise expensive destination.

Tembo House sits directly on the seafront, facing the Indian Ocean just beside Forodhani Gardens. The building is a converted 19th-century Arab house with a colonial annex added later. Sea-facing rooms are worth the small upgrade for the direct water views. The pool area is small but pleasant for an afternoon cool-down. One of the more reliable mid-range options in terms of consistent service.

The Serena occupies a beautifully restored building in the Shangani district, originally the old Chinese doctor's house. Rooms blend Swahili architecture with modern comforts, and the courtyard garden is genuinely peaceful. The waterfront location near Kelele Square gives easy access to the main sights. Restaurant quality is consistently good, especially the grilled seafood. A reliable anchor property for Stone Town visits.

Hotel Kiponda is a small, family-run property on a quiet lane near the Beit el-Ajaib House of Wonders. The building is a restored 19th-century Arab townhouse with carved wooden doors and a rooftop terrace. Rooms vary considerably in size, so ask to see a couple before committing. The rooftop breakfast is a highlight with views across the old town. It feels genuinely local in a way that larger hotels do not.

Dhow Palace is set inside a converted 19th-century palace near the tip of the Shangani peninsula. The interior courtyard with its carved wooden gallery is one of the more atmospheric spaces in Stone Town. Rooms are decorated with local antiques and four-poster beds. Location is excellent for evening walks to the waterfront and the nearby bars. A good pick for couples who want historical atmosphere without luxury hotel prices.

Jafferji House is a boutique property on Hurumzi Street, one of the oldest streets in Stone Town. The building has been meticulously restored with hand-carved furniture and traditional Zanzibari textiles. The rooftop terrace has some of the best panoramic views in the old town. The in-house spa offers massages and treatments using local ingredients. Service here is more attentive than most properties in this price range.

This small boutique hotel occupies three restored 19th-century buildings in the Shangani quarter near the old British Consulate. Rooms are individually decorated with antiques, Persian rugs, and carved Zanzibari beds. The inner courtyard serves as the breakfast area and is pleasantly shaded. The property has only twelve rooms, which keeps the atmosphere intimate. A strong choice for travelers who want a more curated, design-focused stay.

Emerson Spice sits on Tharia Street and is widely considered the finest boutique hotel in Stone Town. Each of the ten rooms is unique, decorated with antiques collected over decades by the original owner Emerson Skeens. The rooftop restaurant hosts a nightly set dinner with live taarab music and views across the old town skyline. Rooms have clawfoot baths, mosquito nets, and hand-stitched textiles. Booking well in advance is essential, especially for the terrace-level suites.

Maru Maru is a polished luxury property on Cathedral Street, close to the Anglican Cathedral and the old slave market site. The rooftop pool is the best in Stone Town and draws even non-guests for sundowners. Rooms are spacious by old town standards, with high ceilings, air conditioning, and modern bathrooms. The ground floor restaurant is one of the more serious dining options in the city. It strikes a good balance between contemporary comfort and Zanzibari historical character.